Washington, Jul 26, 2005 - A critical measure improving both the access to health insurance and lowering the cost, issues at the heart of the health care reform debate, passed the House of Representatives today. The bill allows small businesses to join together through association health plans (AHPs) to purchase health insurance for their workers at a lower cost. The measure would increase small businesses’ bargaining power with health care providers, give them freedom from costly state-mandated benefit packages, and lower their overhead costs by as much as 30 percent.

“Small businesses employ the majority of American workers and in order for them to survive, they need options that not only provide important health benefits for their workers but allow them to stay profitable and grow,” said Congressman Dana Rohrabacher. “This plan will enable small business owners to share costs and risk while giving workers a viable healthcare options.”